Amazon sites suggest new Apple TV launch next week

Earlier reports suggested that Apple has a refreshed Apple TV set to be unveiled next week at its press conference, and now it seems almost certain that will be the case. No, it’s not the Apple-built HDTV that industry watchers have been waiting years to see materialize, but Apple’s set-top box is one of the most popular video-streaming TV companions on the market today — and according to Amazon, a new version of the device will become available for purchase on October 23rd. Amazon’s German and French websites both show the Apple TV as out of stock, but they also state that the box will be in stock beginning on October 23rd, one day after Apple’s press conference next week. Amazon does not typically state specific in-stock dates. A completely overhauled full-size iPad and a brand new iPad mini with a Retina display are expected to be the stars of next week’s Apple event, but several other products are expected as well, and it looks like a new Apple TV will be among them. Release dates for OS X Mavericks and the redesigned Mac Pro are expected to be announced during the show, and Apple’s MacBook Pro line could also see a minor refresh.